Online master's in finance
Online master's in finance programs can help you build advanced knowledge of finance, investing, and risk management. Learn about the degree and its potential career paths.
Explore Finance programs
Why earn an online master’s in finance degree?
Increase your earning potential
Multiple finance jobs pay median salaries in the six-figure range.
Gain in-demand skills
Master's programs in finance build deep, specialized knowledge that employers value highly.
Access flexible schedules
Online learning gives you more control over your schedule and makes it easier to balance school and work.
Online master's in finance degree programs cover both the theory and practice of enterprise finance, portfolio management, and risk analysis. They're also popular among learners seeking MBA alternatives.
Is a master's in finance right for you? This guide can help you find out.
Online master's in finance programs overview
Online master's in finance programs can help you build versatile finance, investment, and risk analysis skills.
These master's programs tend to attract:
- Established professionals who want to grow their careers
- Learners who seek alternatives to competitive and costly MBA programs
- Graduate students who want to develop advanced credentials before entering the workforce
Master's in finance programs usually require about 30-36 credits. Full-time students often graduate in less than two years, which is similar to other .
What jobs can you get with an online master's in finance?
Online master's in finance programs often lead to careers in enterprise and corporate settings with higher-than-average salaries.
Below are some common jobs for professionals with graduate finance degrees with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Projections Central:
| Job title | Job description | Median annual salary (May 2023) | Projected job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial analyst | These professionals study data related to financial markets and business environments to help their employers make informed financial decisions. They select investments, manage portfolios, identify growth opportunities, and guide credit decisions. | $99,890/$48.02 | +9% |
| Financial manager | Financial managers a hold leadership role in an organization's finance department. They typically report to upper executives and may lead investment and portfolio management programs, manage capital budgets, and optimize their employer's financial standing. | $156,100/$75.05 | +17% |
| Credit analyst | Credit analysts gather and evaluate financial data, credit reports, and other information to assess the credit standing of an individual, business, or financial instrument. | $78,850/$37.91 | -4% |
| Personal financial advisor | Personal financial advisors help clients select investments and financial products that match their risk profiles and long-term goals. | $99,580/$47.88 | +17% |
Curriculum
Online master's in finance programs mainly focus on practical tools for monitoring and improving an entity's financial strength and health. Students apply the investment and financial management strategies they learn in theoretical courses to case studies, simulations, and financial modeling tools.
Required classes may include:
- Portfolio management
- Quantitative analysis in corporate finance
- Financial market analysis
- Managerial finance
- Corporate valuation and credit analysis
- Risk analysis and management
Many programs also cover specialized topics such as mergers and acquisitions, speculative investments, and specific classes of financial instruments like fixed-income securities.
Types of master's in finance programs
You can choose to pursue a master of science in finance (MSF) degree or a master of finance (MFin) degree. Though many students turn to finance programs as MBA alternatives, you can also earn an MBA with a finance specialization.
Concentrations
Some MSF/MFin programs offer concentration options, such as:
- Capital markets
- Corporate finance
- Global finance
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Risk management
- Sustainable finance
Admissions requirements for a master's in finance online program
While admissions standards vary, requirements universally include a . Having a , accounting, business, economics, or another related area may help. However, many graduate finance programs consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Admissions officials also usually ask for:
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores (usually GRE or GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT)
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- A résumé or CV
Schools may prefer or require candidates to have relevant professional experience. If you come from an alternative academic background, it may help to before applying or enrolling.
How to apply
Start by checking the school's published application information. It will specify the materials you must submit, along with application deadlines and program start dates.
In most cases, you'll begin by submitting a general program application along with your supporting materials. If schools use interviews, these will likely occur later in the process.
Frequently asked questions
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
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